The Alaska Aces is scheduled for a head-to-head game against the NorthPort Batang Pier at 4:30 P.M. on May 22, 2019 live from the Ynares Center in Antipolo.
The Aces are looking to make a two-game winning streak while the Batang Pier wants a great start as they make its 2019 PBA Commissioner’s Cup debut this afternoon in Antipolo City.
Alaska’s import Chris Daniels has made his stellar debut during the opening day against the Columbian Dyip. He logged 25 points and 16 rebounds plus his sharpshooting from the field where he notched 68 percent.
He was backed up by several locals in scoring like Chris Banchero who tallied 19 points and did a great job in doing the role as the court general as he dished out 8 assists.
Yet, Aces head coach Alex Compton seems like he regrets of giving Banchero more minutes considering that his Fil-Italian player is still nursing his calf injury.
“One of the reasons I’m kicking myself is for playing Chris for such a long stretch,” said Compton.
“My calf has been bugging me a little bit. But if felt good going into the game. I was playing well so it’s kinda tough to take me out at that time,” said Banchero.
NorthPort on the other hand will try to start their new campaign in the right foot. They had several games in the just concluded 2019 PBA Philippine Cup where they should have won the game but made lapses in the final and crucial moments of the match.
The consolation prize for coach Pido Jarencio squad is that three of his players were recognized as finalists for the 2019 PBA Philippine Cup Best Player of the Conference.
Stanley Pringle, Sean Anthony and probably one of the early candidates of this year’s Most Improved Player award Mo Tautuaa were runner-ups for the award won by SMB’s June Mar Fajardo.
Those Batang Pier players will have additional help inside the post as they will parade Prince Ibeh. A 25-year-old big-man will be NorthPort’s import and his skills will be put on a test by the team that is known for its defensive prowess.